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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Product Development: How to Set Your Product Strategy

One major fork in the road for technology companies comes with the choice to either expand the product offerings or stick to refining one core technology. The two choices have imiplications for the exit strategy of the company -- a relatively short-term acquisition by a larger corporation or a longer-term push to expand the business (for a larger acquisition, IPO, or continued exapnsion). But how does a company evaluate these options? Do you know which track your own business is on?

Software Testing Solutions (STS) is a small software company that has produced one primary product: The QualityAdvantage solutions for Sunquest. This software product helps hospitals verify their Sunquest lab and blood bank applications are functioning correctly and has helped STS grow into a company with $1.1 million in revenues in 2007, an increase of 110 percent from 2006. Yet the company's path in the coming years is a concern for advisor David Finkel, who is consulting with STS as part of their transformation through the BIG Business Contest. With a product line that only works in conjunction with Sunquest applications, the market for STS’s software has been limited and potentially tenuous, according to Finkel.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Best prepaid product awards granted to PayPal and RBS

PayPal and The Royal Bank of Scotland have won the ‘Best New Prepaid Card Product of the Year’award at Card Awards 2009.
The two companies were awarded for the success of their Top Up product processed by TSYS. The card was launched in August of 2008. Top Up had contributed to the visibility of PayPal brand offline and has attracted new customers to the company.
PayPal is a payment system that allows money transfer without sharing financial information.
The RBS Group is a leading financial services company.
TSYS is one of the world’s largest companies for outsourced payment services. TopUp became the second product that was processed by TSYS and won the award in the prepaid category after Lloyds TSB’s Silver Account & MoneyTransfer Card in 2008.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Eco-friendly beauty products you must have!


Cover flaws without piling on heavy makeup with DEX New York Mineral Loose Foundation. This lightweight formula contains Vitamins C and E to moisturize and nourish the skin, advanced anti-aging peptide complex, and a chemical free sunscreen of SPF 15 to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The mineral powders come in 12 shades and lasts all day. DEXnewyork.com, $30.

Look like you just came from the beach with the new Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist. This sea salt spray contains Aloe Vera, Algae Extracts and a blend of exotic plant oils such as pure Orchid, Tahitian Gardenia, Kukui and Coconut to nourish hair while adding body. PhilipB.com, $22.

The heat might be on, but skin can still get dry during the spring and summer months. Hydrate your skin with liiv botanicals Moisture Boosting Body Butter by Avon. This non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and calms irritated skin after waxing and shaving.Avon.com, $10.

Get longer, fuller lashes in just 21 days with Adonia Lash Alive. This magical serum contains 19 organic essential oils and botanicals such as Thyme, Ylang Ylang and Lavender to grow lashes naturally. Each bottle lasts 9 months when applied twice a day.AthenaSkincare.com, $129.

Save Your Hair Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner will do just that– save your hair! This new product line contains organic aloe to retain moisture and prevent brittleness, Yerba Mate to replenish the scalp and hair, organic avocado oil to transport active ingredients to the hair shaft, and organic coconut oil to add shine to lackluster hair. The shampoo and conditioner also includes UV protection to help reduce fading on color-treated or natural hair. The line is available in three essential oil scents including Rainforest, Oasis Fruit and Regal Blossom. Best of all, when you buy these products, you are helping the environment. The company has taken a pledge of 1 PRODUCT = 1 ACRE OF RAINFOREST SAVED FOR 1 YEAR. Sold at Whole Foods Market, $9.98/8oz shampoo and $12.98/8oz conditioner.

No time for an island vacation, no problem! Get that sun kissed glow with the Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil. The light formula is scented with 100% natural citrus essential oils and contains Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to nourish and hydrate skin. Use it day or night on the face or body for an instant pick me up effect.VertLosAngeles.com, $52.

Be gentle to your skin with Patyka Face Cleansing Water. The natural glycerine hydrates while the Verbena flower water softens and tones. Use in the morning to feel refreshed or at night to wipe away oil, dirt and makeup. PatykaUSA.com, $15.

When daily moisturizing just isn’t enough, hydrate your face with Livia Wild Honey & Oats Masque. This is especially perfect for dry mature skin and will help restore elasticity and give skin a vibrant complexion. LiviaSkincare.com, $44.

Eco-friendly hair color? Yes, it really does exist thanks to Advanced Cosmetic Technologies (ACT). The only 100% plant based permanent hair color comes in 13 luminous shades and softens and conditions hair while adding shine. ACT contains no PPD, ammonia or resorcinol, unlike traditional dyes found at drugstores. So go ahead and safely cover greys, add highlights or brighten your natural shade. Sold at Whole Foods Markets, $29.99.

Puma Men’s Tedo for $29.74. Save $5.25 with Finishline.com shoes coupon MEVIOSCENE.

The new Puma Men’s Tedo.

Item: Puma Men’s Tedo
Source: Finishline.com
List price: $34.99
Now: $29.74 with EXCLUSIVE Finishline.com promo code“MEVIOSCENE”
(*Save 15% on All online orders over $60 with this coupon code)

PUMA MEN’S TEDO OVERALL RATING: 4.2Puma Men's Tedo Review Rating 4.2

Classic-styled PUMA soccer shoe for people who have a strong feeling for tradition - or just appreciate a comfortable stylish shoe.

Product specs: Classic-styled PUMA soccer shoe for people who have a strong feeling for tradition - or just appreciate a comfortable stylish shoe.

PUMA MEN’S TEDO REVIEW

Comfort:4
Fit/Sizing:4
Quality:5
Value:4
Performance:4

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The Finishline.com promo code is a non-expiring coupon that can be used on all your orders throughout your sports or training season. It is good for an immediate money-saving 15% discount on your entire order.

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A Twist On The Classics

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SKATE STUDY HOUSE, also known as ‘SSH’, is a line of products conceived through the eyes of a skateboarder. The furniture aims to mix contemporary lifestyle, art and sports culture, and align with some of the bestselling modern furniture, while paying tribute to the renowned Case Study House. “The SKATE STUDY HOUSE finds its inspiration here by recreating furniture, and giving a feel of déjà vu-with-a-twist by incorporating skateboard decks. The introduction of this new element responds to the popularity of action sports, street art and design culture with a consciousness on our environment.” You might ask where they got all of these decks from which to construct the furniture. It’s easy to realize when you discover that the project is a collaboration between Jim Gray and Jonjon of ACME, Steve Lake of Sector 9, Chris Bullard and Al Collins of Premier Displays, and designer Eric Crandell.

Learn more at skatestudyhouse.com

Quality Typing & Printing, LLC Promotional Products

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Reasonable rates and set up charges are guaranteed!

Promotional-products.jpg
  • School / Team Spirit Items
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